About the job
MAKE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
As a Laboratory Quality Engineer at Continental, you will play a pivotal role in upholding the quality, compliance, and performance standards of all raw materials utilized within our Sumter facility. Your responsibilities will encompass supplier quality management, laboratory excellence, resolution of complaints, and spearheading continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborating closely with Purchasing, R&D, SQM, PI, and plant operations, you will ensure a seamless flow of compliant materials essential for safe and efficient production.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Take ownership of the quality performance of all raw materials at the Sumter plant, including monitoring suppliers, reporting statuses, and facilitating local supplier approvals.
- Address supplier complaints effectively and lead continuous improvement initiatives throughout all supplier quality processes, including conducting root-cause analyses and overseeing 8D follow-ups.
- Execute supplier audits (including VDA 6.3), maintain audit plans, and track corrective actions for local suppliers; assist SQM with corporate supplier audits.
- Lead and engage in raw material quality projects involving new materials, packaging innovations, process changes, or supplier development.
- Oversee laboratory testing of chemicals, compounds, and reinforcements; ensure timely release of conforming batches for production while maintaining laboratory work instructions.
- Monitor laboratory and mixing KPIs, drive SPC processes, and initiate improvement activities to enhance laboratory and material processing performance.
- Guarantee compliance with IATF 16949, regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and the Continental QM Manual for Procurement.
- Coordinate raw material logistics and packaging requirements with R&D, SQM, and Purchasing; implement improvements in transport, documentation, communication, and COA processes.
- Support plant and supplier process enhancements related to raw material processability, stability, and analysis; ensure SAP alignment with complaint and supplier performance management requirements.
- Champion ESH responsibilities by exemplifying safe behavior, initiating preventive actions, and responding to hazards promptly while supporting internal/external audits and corrective actions.
NOTE: This job description may not encompass all tasks required and is subject to updates as necessary.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Safety is our top priority, and adherence to safety procedures and guidelines is mandatory, including appropriate safety gear such as steel-toed shoes and hearing protection.
- This position operates within a climate-controlled environment.